Best alloy wheel cleaner?
Discussion
Ours isn't pH neutral - it's acidic - but uses 'targeted' acids to attack the ferrous deposits from the pads and discs. So it is safer than many, but still very effective.
We are playing with a proper pH neutral one, but we did one that would kick ar5e first of all, just to be sure the job would get done.
We are playing with a proper pH neutral one, but we did one that would kick ar5e first of all, just to be sure the job would get done.
Strong alkalis can be just as damaging to caliper seals, caliper paint etc as acids. Whatever you use, best thing is to ensure it is strong enough to do something but not let it dwell, and rinse thoroughly after Most paint finishes specify not to use acid-based cleaners on them but are silent as regards strong alkali. I've known acid-based cleaners damage the finish on the wheel itself, but not seen that yet with alkali ones.
Mind you, I'm cleaning the wheel off the car, so not too worried about calipers and the like
Tol
Mind you, I'm cleaning the wheel off the car, so not too worried about calipers and the like
Tol
Anatol said:
Most paint finishes specify not to use acid-based cleaners on them but are silent as regards strong alkali. I've known acid-based cleaners damage the finish on the wheel itself, but not seen that yet with alkali ones.
Mind you, I'm cleaning the wheel off the car, so not too worried about calipers and the like
Tol
The acid free thing is a bit of a catch all employed by many manufacturers. The reality is that strong alkalis can do as much damage to certain finishes, and that any strong acid or alkali should be treated with caution on any sensitive finish. The big misperception is that acid-free equals pH-neutral. However, there are a myriad of acids blends and alkali blends, and they react with bare metals, clearcoat, powdercoated finishes and rubber in different ways - I'd be cautious with any strong cleaner, only use it as directed and rinse thoroughly after. Taking the wheel off is ideal as you don't get overspray on the discs and caliper. If you do, just rinse them as well as you can Mind you, I'm cleaning the wheel off the car, so not too worried about calipers and the like
Tol
I've always had brilliant results using Bilberry, but I tried to remove some long term brake dust from an 05 plate 1-series BMW, where the guy hadn't washed the insides of the wheels in months (BMW multi-spokes) and even neat Bilberry wouldn't remove them. I also tried a clay bar and that wouldnt remove the dirt either. In the end he bought some CG Blue Rim and Wheel cleaner and it removed the dust no problem.
Be aware that the CG Wheel cleaner is acidic though, so I wouldnt leave it on too long.
Be aware that the CG Wheel cleaner is acidic though, so I wouldnt leave it on too long.
OK guys, thanks for all the replies!
I finally settled on trying R222 and it arrived a couple of days ago. Now, either I'm doing something wrong or it's useless.
Alloy wheels had about two weeks dirt and brake dust on after a thorough clean a fortnight ago. I sprayed the R222 onto the wheels and as per the instructions jet washed it off a couple of minutes later. Result - wheels still dirty, especially spokes and in corners. Sprayed the wheels again and this time left for an hour before jet washing off. Wheels barely any better than before. Ended up having to spend ten minutes scrubbing each wheel with a stiff brush like you have to with £1.99 tesco wheel cleaner.
Did I do something wrong or is it just useless?
Is there a product that will clean a week or twos dirt off alloys without scrubbing for ages?
I finally settled on trying R222 and it arrived a couple of days ago. Now, either I'm doing something wrong or it's useless.
Alloy wheels had about two weeks dirt and brake dust on after a thorough clean a fortnight ago. I sprayed the R222 onto the wheels and as per the instructions jet washed it off a couple of minutes later. Result - wheels still dirty, especially spokes and in corners. Sprayed the wheels again and this time left for an hour before jet washing off. Wheels barely any better than before. Ended up having to spend ten minutes scrubbing each wheel with a stiff brush like you have to with £1.99 tesco wheel cleaner.
Did I do something wrong or is it just useless?
Is there a product that will clean a week or twos dirt off alloys without scrubbing for ages?
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